After putting out four large outdoor fires in Lowndes County on Thursday, Fire Services Coordinator Jim Robbins knew something had to change.
That’s why on Friday, he got the board of supervisors to sign off on a burn ban to stop locals from adding fuel to the flames of the issue.
“The conditions had gotten pretty bad,” Robbins told The Dispatch. “… We were getting a pretty large number of grass and brush fires. So we felt like for the safety of the public and trying to cut down these fires and the risk of them, we requested the ban.”
Lowndes and Noxubee counties, including Columbus and Macon, implemented burn bans Friday that will last until April 27, the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s website said. After weeks of city and county firefighters attempting to manage unplanned flames during dry weather conditions, a ban may also be on the horizon for Clay County, said Torrey Williams, head of Clay County’s Emergency Management Agency.
Burn bans apply to any fire that involves an open flame and produces an ember, MFC’s website said. Things like campfires, bonfires and firepits that produce sparks are not allowed under MFC bans.
Those who violate a burn ban can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined between $100 to $500, according to the website. Robbins said the ban is typically enforced by local sheriff’s departments.
While the current burn bans span through April 27, Robbins said they are dependent on how much rainfall the area sees in the coming weeks. Mississippi Live Weather forecasts a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the latter part of the week.
“We put the burn ban in effect for 30 days, and we’ll revisit it depending on how much … (it rains) this next week,” Robbins said. “… If we get an adequate amount, to where conditions are better and favorable, we possibly could actually lift the ban early, but if not, then it’s going to stay in effect.”
Fires all around
Robbins, who is also the fire services coordinator for Noxubee County, said even with some rain earlier this month in the region, outdoor conditions have remained dangerously dry and even led to a Red Flag warning being issued Saturday.
“There were several days (this month where) we would get multiple grass fires throughout (the county), and it was different districts,” Robbins said. “You can figure (fires are) going to tie up resources (and) in some cases, (it’s) two or three hours by the time you can bring it under control.”
Columbus Fire and Rescue, over the last two months, has responded to 15 fires attributed to uncontrolled outdoor burnings, Chief Duane Hughes said. Strong winds and dried-out soil this month have both contributed to some fires being more difficult for locals to control, he said.
“Embers carry through these high winds, and these small fires can grow out of control rapidly,” Hughes said. “… You’re not going to be able to control these with a garden hose or some other low-volume water source. What starts out as a leaf or foliage pile quickly involves an occupied structure, and the threat is real.”
While the burn ban is in effect, the city will not issue permits for any type of burning, Hughes said.
West Point Fire Chief Ken Wilbourne said while the city has not had a lot of responses to uncontrolled outdoor fires this month, it has assisted more than normal with county fire services.
Over the last 10 days, Williams said Clay County experienced about four uncontrolled fires reported by locals who lost control of their burns.
“It’s really easy (for a burn) to get away, so we just recommend that they not burn at all right now,” he said. “… I know we’re supposed to have rain the next couple of days come through, but I don’t think it’s going to be enough.”
Williams said he is speaking with Clay County supervisors during their meeting today to ask for approval for a month-long burn ban.
Starkville Fire Marshal Mark McCurdy said there is currently no burn ban in the city or in Oktibbeha County, but both entities are continuing to “monitor weather conditions closely.”
“We did issue a short burn ban over this past weekend … when weather conditions and mainly wind conditions were such a big factor,” McCurdy wrote in a text to The Dispatch. “… Thankfully, we have not experienced any fires within the city.”
Burn bans are also active in 12 other counties across the state.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
